Automatic labelling apparatus



July 16, 1963 D. A. cAuLFoRD ETAL 3,097,983

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 9, 1961Inventors JAMES R. PHIN DONALD A. CAULFORD Atlorn e y y 1963 D. A.CAULFORD ETAL 3,09

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. 9, 1961 YInventor:

JAMES R. PHIN DONALD A. CAULFORD by: a, W

Alforne y July 16, 1963 D. A. CAULFORD ETAL 3,097,

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 9, 1961 Inventor: JAMES R. PH/NDONALD A. CAULFORD W Attorne y July 16, 1963 D. A. CAULFORD ETALAUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 9, 1961 FIG. 8

8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Inventor: JAMES R. PHIN DONALD A. CAULFORD Attorney y1963 D. A. CAULFORD ETAL 3, 8

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 9, 1961Inventors JAMES R. PH/N DONALD A. CAULFORD Attorney July 16, 1963 D. A.CA UVLFORD ETAL AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 FiledFeb. 9, 1961 Q MIR A Q2 QPm lnventom- JAMES R. PHI N DONALD A. CAULFORDA Horn 2 y y 1963 D. A. CAULFORD ETAL 3,097,983

AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Feb. 9, 1961Inventors JAMES R. PHIN DONALD A. CAULFORD by: I,

Attorney United States Patent Filed Feb. 9, 1961, Ser. No. 88,209 54Claims. (Cl. 156-364) This invention relates to improvements inapparatus for labelling bottles or containers automatically and incontmnous sequence.

The principal object of this invention is to provide improved automaticlabelling apparatus which can handle in continuous sequence greaternumber of containers than those heretofore and in which greater controlof the disposition of the labels on the containers is exerted to improvethe durability of the applied labels and the appearance of the labelledcontainers generally.

More particularly, it is an object of this invention to provideapparatus in which the position of the label on a contamer is controlledto produce uniformly-labelled containers which will comply withgovernmental regula tions and which will be pleasing in appearance.

Still another object is to provide an improved mechamsm for sequentiallyselecting, preparing and applying labels to containers at an increasedrate as compared with known machines.

Another important object is to provide an improved mechanism forconforming and applying pressure to labels to be afiixed to the surfacesof containers to eliminate creases which under handling and abrasion mayresult in tearing of such labels and which will ensure that the labelsare firmly adhered to the surfaces of the containers even though suchsurfaces might be angled or have different curvatures over the extent ofthe label.

Another object is to simplify automatic labelling apparatus for moreeconomical manufacture, less costly nramtenance, and to improve controland operation of the various stages in the labelling of a container,consistem: with the aforementioned objects.

The apparatus of this invention includes a main conveyor which ismounted and driven to transport upright containers having at least abase portion which is generally circular in cross-section, horizontallyand continuously and at spaced intervals, the containers experiencing insequence, while being transported, a turning movement about theirupright axes to orient their positions, which when complete is followedby the application of labels to a selected surface of each container andsubsequently, the application of pressure over the extent of the labelto conform it into intimate contact with the container surfaces toinsure full "adhesion therewith.

The apparatus of this invention is preferably to be used in conjunctionwith the infeed conveyor mechanism which forms the subject matter ofUnited States Patent No. 2,910,167, granted October 27, 1959. Thisinfeed conveyor mechanism is operable to deliver bottles or containersin timed sequence onto the main conveyor of the machine.

More particularly, the container-orienting mechanism includes a surfaceof abutment located at one side of the centre line of the main conveyorto present a continuous line of contact to an upright passing container,the abutment surface being suitably frictioned to inhibit the freepassage of a container therealong, and an element which is adapted toengage with the container on the opposite side of the centre line of themain conveyor to the aforementioned abutment surface, the element beingmounted in synchronism with the main conveyor to proceed in the samedirection as the travel of the main conveyor and to urge the containeragainst the abutment surface, the resultant force imparted to thecontainer by contact with the abutice men-t surface causing thecontainer to turn about its vertical axis, the container simultaneouslybeing prevented from being displaced in a direction opposite to thetravel of the main conveyor by a stop mounted behind the container uponthe main conveyor.

Another feature of the orienting mechanism is found in providing aprojection or stop which is mounted to travel in synchronism with and inthe same direction and at the same velocity as the main conveyor, andlocated on one side of the centre line of the main conveyor, thecontainer being provided with a complementary projection or stop whichupon turning movement imparted by the abutment surface, is brought intocontact with the first-mentioned projection or stop, preventing thecontainer from being turned further and urging the surface of thecontainer out of contact with the abutment surface.

Another feature resides in providing an inclined magazine for labelswhich feeds labels to a reciprooable vacuum bar under gravity, thevacuum bar being actuated by a trip mechanism contacted by a containerapproaching the labelling station, to seize a label from the magazineand present it to a label-gripping, -orienting and -applying mechanism.

Another feature resides in providing a label-gripping, -orienting andapplying mechanism in the form of a drum or hub element which is mountedto turn on a horizontal axis, the hub being provided with a plurality oflabel-gripping members at its periphery and spaced uniformlycircumferentially therearound, whereby for each revolution of the hubelement, a number of labels are being gripped, oriented and applied tocontainers passing the labelling station.

Still another feature resides in providing an overhead,

pressure-applying mechanism in which a plurality of pressure-applyingdevices for applied labels are carried on an endless belt formationwhich moves in a vertical plane and present a lower path of engagementover and parallel to the main conveyor, this structure taking up lessspace than those hitherto used, and being able to accommodate thegreater numbers of labelled containers without appreciably increasingthe extent of the endless belt.

These and other objects and features will be found upon reading thefollowing specification in conjunction with the sheets of drawings inwhich:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an automatic labelling apparatus forapplying labels to containers, the apparatus embodying all of thefeatures of this invention;

tamer-orienting mechanism of the apparatus of FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical mid-sectional view of the mechanism of FIGURE 3taken along the line 4-4 of FIG- URE 3;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view partly broken away, of the labelmagazine, the label-gripping, -orienting and -applying device, thegluing device and label-Wetting device, all of which are mounted on thesupport framework overlying the main conveyor;

FIGURE 6 is "a side elevational View broken away, of the label-gripping,-orienting and applying device of FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6a is a sideelevational view of a guide formation for positioning a labelimmediately prior to its application to a container;

FIGURE 6b is a view in section taken along the lines 6b-6b of FIGURE 6a;

FIGURE 7 is a partial view of the label-gripping, orienting and applyingdevice of FIGURE 6, showing its relationship to the gluing device;

FIGURE 8 is a vertical mid-sectional view broken away, of the mechanismfor conforming and applying pressure to labels which have been appliedto the containers by the device of FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8a is an elevational view of the apparatus for applyingconforming pressure to labels apart from the endless belt formation, andshowing the apparatus in full registration with the cap and neck portionof container;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus for withdrawing a labelfrom the label magazine;

FIGURE 10 is an elevational view partly broken away of the cam mechanismcontrolling the operation of the label-withdrawing apparatus;

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged vertical mid-sectional view taken along thelines 11-11 of FIGURE 5 of the lower end of the label magazine and thesuction bar device of the label-withdrawing apparatus with the latterdevice in the inoperative position;

FIGURE 12 is an enlarged side-elevational view of the lower end of alabel magazine and a portion of the suction bar device in cross-sectionwith the latter device moved into an operative position;

FIGURES 13a, 13b and 13c are views of the components carried by thelabel-selecting mechanism illustrating in sequence, respectively, therelative positions of the components to withdraw a label from thesuction bar device;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view broken away of the movable fingerformation of the label-selecting mechaDISIl'l;

FIGURE 15 is a plan view of an alternative structure of a frictionedsurface of abutment to apply torque to containers in the orientingmechanism;

FIGURE 16 is a front-elevational view of the adjustable gear formationthrough which the label-gripping, -orienting and -applying mechanism isdriven; and,

FIGURE 17 is a vertical mid-sectional view taken along the lines 1717 ofFIGURE 16 to illustrate the relationship between the gear components.

In FIGURE 1 an automatic labelling apparatus constructed in accordancewith the invention is indicated at 10, the apparatus consisting of abase enclosure 11, which houses a motor and other suitable drivingcomponents for operating the various mechanisms of the apparatus, thebase enclosure being surmounted by a flat rigid table structure 12overlying which is a support framework 13 mounted upon pairs of spacedupstanding posts 14.

An infeed conveyor structure 15 is located at the left end of themachine as viewed in FIGURE 1. This structure forms the basis of UnitedStates Patent No. 2,910,167. Essentially, the infeed conveyor mechanism15 consists of an endless chain belt conveyor 16 which is mounted on anddriven by means of suitable sprocket wheels and driving connections fromthe main motor. The links of the chain belt conveyor 16 support platformelements 17, certain of which are articulated, as illustrated at '18.Articulated platform elements 18 are elevated in conjunction with theoperation of a star or pocket wheel mechanism 19 and a camming and guidebar 19a to deliver onto the main conveyor 20 of machine 10, containers21 at selected predetermined intervals. To accomplish this transfer itis seen that main conveyor 20 overlaps the inner end 22 of infeedconveyor 16.

Main conveyor 20 includes an endless chain belt 23, each link of whichis provided with a platform element 24 to form a generally fiattable-like surface for transporting containers 21 to be labelled.

Main conveyor 20 is located within a longitudinallyextending slot 25 inthe plate member 26 of table structure 12, and is mounted on suitablesprockets (not shown) which in turn are driven through suitableconnections by the main motor.

The main conveyor 20 delivers the containers 21 at the right hand endonto a short discharge conveyor 27 after the labelling operation hasbeen completed.

Mounted upon platform elements 24a are upstanding container-locatingdevices or stops 28 consisting of a block 22 fastened by suitablefasteners to the platform element. Block 29 is provided with ahorizontal recess 31 at its forward end in which a wheel element 32 ismounted for rotation on a vertical locating pin 33. In FIGURE 2 it isseen that wheel element 32 projects beyond the forward leading surfaceof block 29 to provide point contact between the container 21 and thelocating device. It is to be observed that container 21 has a lowerportion 35 of a generally cylindrical configuration surmounted by a neckportion 36 of lesser diameter.

In FIGURE 3 it is seen that each container 21 is provided with a nippleor projection 37 which is an integral part resulting from itsmanufacture. In instances where containers would not have thisprojection, a similar projection attachment could be provided, thepurpose of which will be understood from the following description.

Container-orienting Mechanism Containers 21 are delivered in sequence bythe main conveyor 20* to the entrance 39 of the container-orientingmechanism 38.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 3 the entrance is defined by apair of upstanding, horizontallydisposed endless chain belt mechanisms40 and 41, respectively, one on either side of the centre line of themain conveyor 20.

An elongated bar 42 is mounted below chain belt mechanism 41 and extendslongitudinally of the main conveyor 20. Bar 42 is located above thehorizontal plane of main conveyor 20 and is supported on suitablemembers 43 upstanding from table structure 12. Bar 42 extends inwardlyof members 43 and from the entrance 39 to a point intermediately of itsextent it is provided with a frictioned surface which is constituted,preferably, by a strip of tanned leather 44 suitably fastened thereto.Bar 42 at the entrance is fiaired as at 45 to ease the entry of acontainer 21 into the apparatus, should the container be off centre.

It is to be understood that both the chain belt mechanisms 40 and 41 andthe bar 42 are adjustable horizontally towards and away from the mainconveyor 20, and also vertically to accommodate containers of difierentsizes on suitable adjusting devices not illustrated.

Chain belt mechanism 40 includes a double endless chain belt 46 mountedon spaced horizontal sprocket formations 47 consisting of upper andlower sprocket wheels 47a and 47b, mounted in turn on spaced verticalshafts 47c, and are adapted to be driven by the main motor of themachine through suitable connections, not described, in synchronism withthe main conveyor 20.

The inner reach 48 of the double chain belt 46 extends parallel to themain conveyor. Further, a horizontal guide member 49' slotted as at 49ais mounted upon spaced upright standards 50 to support and guide theinner reach 48 of chain belt 46 along its path of travel parallel to themam conveyor.

Dependent from certain links of chain belt 46 at selected spacedintervals are freely rotatable wheel elements 51, each of which consistsof a rigid hub element 52 supported centrally by a vertical pin 53,which in turn is suit- Iablly fastened to the supporting links of thedouble chain The periphery of the hub 52 is grooved as at 54 to receivean annular resilient yieldable contact member or rim 55 of preferablysponge rubber or similar material which extends beyond the hubperiphery. Rim 55 has a broad peripheral face 56 to positively engagethe surface of a container 21, as seen in FIGURE 3.

It is to be understood that the rotation of sprocket 47 is in adirection to cause the inner reach 48 of the chain belt 46 to travel inthe same direction as the main conveyor 20, and at the same velocity,the position of the wheel elements 51 being synchronized with the mainconveyor.

Chain belt mechanism 41 consists of a single chain belt 57 and spacedhorizontal sprockets 58 which are mounted so that the inner reach 59extends substantially parallel to the main conveyor The sprockets 58 arerotated on Vertical shafts 58a through suitable connections from themain motor, in a direction to cause the inner reach 59 to travel inthe'same direction as the main conveyor 20, and in addition, thevelocity is controlled and is of the same order as the velocity of, andis synchronized with, the main conveyor 20.

Mounted at spaced intervals on certain of the links of chain element 57are members 60 which project outwardly from the inner surface 61 of theinner reach 59 to define a stop or abutment surface 62 against whichprojection 37 of a container 21 is adapted to register. This projectionfixes the position of the container 21 as it is transported through theorienting mechanism to reach a position at which a label is to beapplied and in registration with nipple 37 urges the surface of thecontainer out of contact with abutment surface 44. Observe also that theinner surface 62a of member 60 is coincident with inner abutment surfaceof bar 42 and does not impede any imparted rotational movement to thecontainer 21 prior to registration with the nipple 37.

Operation of Container-orienting Mechanism From the infeed conveyormechanism 15, container 21 is placed upon main conveyor 20 in advance ofthe stop 28. The main conveyor then transports the container 21 to theentrance 39 of the orienting mechanism.

With reference particularly to FIGURES 2, 3 and 4, container 21 uponentering, contacts the abutment surface 44 of bar 42 and because ofsynchronization with the main conveyor 20, container 21 is also engagedby the rim 55 of wheel element '51 in the position shown.

Firstly because of the contact between the container 21 and wheelelement 51, container 21 is urged into abutment with the leather strip44, resulting in the application of torque to the container, causing itto turn about its upright axis as indicated by the arrow in FIGURE 3.

-It will be appreciated that the wheel element 32 of the stop 28,because it maintains only point contact with the container, affords theleast amount of friction to the turning movement imparted.

As the container 21 progresses through the orienting mechanism, turningmovement is imparted until nipple 37 registers with projection 60.

Because projection 66 is travelling at the same velocity as the mainconveyor, and because the position of the projection 60' is initiallyco-ordinated or synchronized with the main conveyor 20, the projection37 cannot pass and accordingly container 21 cannot be displaced anyfurther. Contact of the projection 37 with projection 60 urges thesurface of the container 21 out of contact with the strip 44, whichsubstantially eliminates imparted torque to the container.

In FIGURE 15 an alternative to the bar 42 and the abutment surface 44 isillustrated. An endless belt 280 of rubber or other suitable material ismounted upon spaced sprocket wheels 281, 282 and 283, sprocket wheel 283being driven through suitable connections from the main motor. The innerreach 284 presents an abutment surface extending parallel to the mainconveyor 20, the belt being driven so that the inner reach travels in adirection opposite to the direction of the main conveyor. It is seenthat to maintain tension in the belt 280, one reach 285 bears against anabutment surface 286 of the shaft 58a of the endless belt formation 41.Also, it is seen that the inner surface of the belt is provided withlugs 287 meshing with the lugs of the sprockets.

With this alternative apparatus positive torque can be applied to thecontainer 21.

It will be appreciated that the turning movement imparted to container21 is preferably accomplished when the container reaches the mid-pointof its travel through the orienting mechanism, so that during the latterpart of its journey it is stationary relative to the main conveyor andin position to receive a label from the label-gripping, -orienting and-applying device 63 from above.

It is also to be understood that control of the position of thecontainer can be exerted until a label has been applied and even untilthe container is delivered to the pressure conforming and applyingapparatus, should it be desirable.

I he Label-Gripping, -Orienting and -Applying Apparatus Thelabel-gripping, -orienting and -applying apparatus 63 is located in thesupport framework 13 above the table structure 12. There is associatedwith the apparatus a label magazine 64, a label wetting device 65, wheredesired, and a gluing device 66 (see FIGURE 5).

Mounted forwardly in support framework 13 is apparatus 67a for applyingconforming and squeezing pressure to labels which have been adhered tocontainers 21.

' Support structure 13 includes a platform 67 supported from one end ofa surrounding upstanding rigid frame 68, which is provided with offsetlug formations or sleeves 69 to slidably receive upstanding pairs ofspaced posts 14. It is intended that the support structure \13 isadjustable above the table and can be suitably anchored in adjustedpositions by an adjustable mechanism (not illustrated) which is operableto move the posts 114 uniformly upwardly and downwardly over a range ofadjustment to correctly position the apparatus 63 and 67a over thecontainers to be labelled.

Label magazine 64 consists of a plate member 71 which is supported abovethe platform 67 and inclined at an angle of approximately 45 to thehorizontal. Mounted to extend down plate 71 are spaced fiat strips orshims 70 which are provided with upstanding projections 70a at theirlower ends to engage the lowermost edge of the stacked labels in themagazine as illustrated in FIGURES 1'1 and 12.

Overlying and also mounted to extend down the plate '71 are a pair ofspaced bars 72 pivoted in adjustable brackets 73 at their upper ends andare adapted to be raised and lowered over the plate. The lower ends ofbars 72 support a cross-bar 74 pivoted as at 74a at the side of plate71, which in turn carries spaced adjustable brackets 75 intermediatelyof its length.

With reference to FIGURES l1 and 12, especially, it is seen thatbrackets 75 each comprise an apertured portion 225 whose bore 226 isconfigured to slidably receive the cross-bar 74 and each is anchoredthereto by suitable clamping nuts 227. The forward extension 228 isprovided with threaded openings 229 and 230 therethrough and the lowersurface carrying a leaf spring element 231 secured rearwardly as at 232and extending forwardly and downwardly to bear against the upper edgesof the labels 233 stacked on the inclined plate member 71.

The rearward threaded opening 229* has a spring loaded threaded pin 234therein whose tip is arranged to bear against the leaf spring element231, displacing it downwardly against the upper edges of labels 233 tohold them in stacked relation against withdrawal.

A second spring loaded pin 235 is threadedly engaged in the forwardthreaded opening 230, the lower tip 236 having the form of a blunt nosewhich engages the outer surface of the lowermost label 238, holding itagainst dislodgement.

The thread-ed posts 234', 235 are adjustable for different sizes oflabels and because of the helical springs 239, 240

to accommodate the dimensions of particular labels and contain them.

A vacuum bar 76 is mounted for reciprocable movement at the lowermostedge of the label magazine 64, and consists of an elongated bar which isprovided with a central bore 77 and an upper fiat label-contacting face78, and a plurality of apertures 79 to provide communication betweencentral bore 77 and the flat, label-contacting face 78. Bar 76 isreciprocable to swing from a position in which the flat face 78 lies upagainst the lowermost label 79 in the magazine to a position in whichthe flat face is uppermost in a substantially horizontal plate (see FIG-URES 11 and 12).

The bar 76 is adapted to be reciprocated under the actuation of asuitable trip mechanism 300 (see FIGURE 3) which is contacted by apassing container, whereby the lowermost label in the magazine is causedto cling to the flat surface 78 and upon movement of the bar 76, thelabel is withdrawn from the magazine and presented to thelabel-gripping, -orienting and -a-pplying device 63. It is to be notedthat the bar 76 does not extend the full length of the label 238 butleaves the end nearest the grippers 80 of the apparatus 63 unsupportedsuch that it enters between the grippers 80 (see FIGURES 13a, 13b and130).

The vacuum bar 76 is supported on a pair of spaced lugs 241 mountedbelow magazine 64 through which a reciprocable shaft 242 extends, shaft242 being anchored in the bore of support portion 243 of bar 76 which isintegral with the bar 76.

One end of the shaft 242 is provided with a bevel gear 244 which ismeshed with a second bevel gear 245 mounted for reciprocation on shaft246 which is located in spaced bearing brackets 247 suitably mounted onframe 68 at the side of magazine 64. The other end of shaft 246 isprovided with a crank element 248 which is pivotally connected to acrank arm 249.

Crank arm 249 is connected at its opposite end to the arm 250 of a bellcrank lever 251 which is pivoted on pin 252 mounted on the frame 68. Thebell crank lever 251 is urged by spring 253 to maintain vacuum bar 76 inthe inoperative or inclined position as shown in FIGURE 12.

The other arm 254' of bell crank lever 251 carries a cam roller 255which engages the periphery of a generally square cam member 256 havingenlarged curved corner camming portions 256:: which are adapted toreciprocate bell crank lever 251 under rotation thereof. Spring 253 atthe same time urges the roller 255 into engagement with the peripheralsurface of cam 256.

The perimetral configuration of the cam 256 is such that the bell crankis displaced in a direction against the spring 253, to bring the vacuumbar 256 from the position of FIGURE 11 to the inclined position ofFIGURE 12 which is adapted to occur upon the approach of the grippers 80of the apparatus 63- to seize a label from the bar 76 and release thebell crank 251 immediately prior to the arrival of the grippers 80,whereupon spring element 253 returns vacuum bar 76 to its initialposition with the lowermost label 238 clinging to surface 78 forpresentation to the grippers 80.

In FIGURE 9 it is seen that a second lever 257 is pivoted on a suitablepivot 258 in juxtaposition to the square cam member 256 and carrying atits lower end a roller cam 259 which also bears against the peripheralcamming surface 256a. Lever 257 is urged by a spring 260 to maintaincontact with cam 256.

Lever 257 operates a switch 261 to open and close a valve in the vacuumsystem to place the vacuum bar 76 by means of a conduit connection 262in communication with a source of vacuum and to break the communicationwhen it is no longer required.

A second cam 263 having a periphery of generally cruciform configurationis mounted coaxially with square cam 256, cam 263 upon rotation beingadapted to actuate a switch 264 through a reciprocable roller camformation 265 which contacts the cam 263. Switch 264 is adapted to bringan orifice member 275 into communication with a source of pressure air(see FIGURE 13b) which is used to remove a label being withdrawn fromthe surface 78 of vacuum bar 76 so that the vacuum bar 76 will be clearto receive the next lowermost label in the magazine. This adaptation isutilized where labels have an extended length and are not fullywithdrawn from the surface of vacuum bar 76 at a time when the nextlabel must be removed from the magazine.

In FIGURE 10 a latch mechanism 266 is illustrated and consists of alever 267 pivoted at 268 centrally, one end of the lever 267 beingconnected to a solenoid switch 269 and the other end being connected toan extension spring element 269a. A notch formation 270 is formed at theupper end of lever 267 to engage a projection 271 formed on the arm 254of the bell crank lever 251. The solenoid switch 269 is operated througha suitable conductor by trip mechanism 300 located in the path of apassing container (see FIGURE 3) to move the lever in the direction ofthe arrow, releasing the bell crank lever from the position shown whichbrings the cam roller 255 into engagement with the peripheral surface ofsquare cam 256. With the solenoid switch 269 inoperative the spring 269aurges the lever 267 towards the bell crank 251, and registration of theprojection 271 with notch 270 is accomplished when the roller reachesthe mid point of the curved camming portions 256a.

It will be readily appreciated that where a container is missing fromthe sequence of containers being conveyed upon main conveyor 20, thetrip mechanism 308 will not be actuated and therefore a spring element269a will hold the lever 267 in the position of FIGURE 10 and a labelwill not be withdrawn from the magazine.

The label-gripping, -orienting and -applying apparatus 63 consists of adrum or hub element 81 mounted upon a horizontal shaft 82. for rotationcounterclockwise, as viewed in FIGURES 5 and 6. Here it is pointed outthat square cam 256 and cruciform cam 263 are mounted at the rearwardend of shaft 82 for rotation and are positioned in relation to theposition of the grippers 80 to accomplish withdrawal of the labels aspreviously described.

The platform 67 of support framework 13 is slotted to register with thelowermost portion of hub 81 and allow it to extend therebelow to contactpassing containers 21. The shaft 82 is supported at each end in suitablejournal members 83 (only one shown), the end 84 extending through itsjournal 83 and being provided with a sprocket Wheel 85a. Sprocket wheel85a is connected by a suitable chain belt 85 to the sprocket wheel 86mounted on a second horizontal shaft 87, which itself is driven throughsuitable sprocket and chain connections from the main motor.

Plate 81 is rigidly mounted on the shaft 82 and carries at its peripherya plurality of grippers 8t} spaced uniformly circumferentiallytherearound. Grippers 88 consist of a fixed finger 88 having a generallyL-shaped configuration, one arm portion 89 of the L being anchored tothe hub element as at 90, and the other arm portion 91 extendinggenerally radially of the plate 81. The outer tip of arm portion 91 hasa curvate biased edge 92 which coincides with the circumference of acircle having its center on the axis of rotation of the plate 81.Surface 92 intersects a chamfered surface 93 at an obtuse angle. Surface93 defines a clamping surface upon which the end of a label 79 is to beplaced when it is transferred from the suction bar 76.

Mounted on plate 81 to co-operate with the fixed finger 88 is a movablefinger formation 94 consisting of a plate element 95 having a projectingchamfered end 96 which is adapted to swing from a position inregistration with the aforementioned clamping surface 93 to a positioninwardly thereof. Plate 95 is mounted upon a pair of spaced bars 97 and98 which are supported on a connecting pivot 99 extending through anaperture in plate 81 which is provided with a suitable bushing. Bar 97has a rigid exten- 9 sion 100 which is biased by means of an extensionspring element 101 anchored between the outer end and the plate element81. This connection insures that the movable finger 94 is at all timesbiased toward engagement with the fixed finger.

The other bar 98 is provided with a rigid extension 102 which at itsouter end carries a roller element 103 which is adapted to co-operatewith a fixed cam 104, having a peripheral camming surface 105. Theperipheral camming surface 105 is contoured so that the pivotal arms 97,98 are displaced to swing the movable finger 94 out of clamping relationwith the fixed finger 88 at the point of application of a label to acontainer 21, thereby releasing the label from the mechanism. Themovable finger 94 is maintained by contact of roller element 103 withcam 104 out of registration with the fixed finger 88 until a point isreached where a label 238 from the magazine 64 is presented by vacuumbar 76 to the fixed finger 88. At this point instantly the movablefinger 94 is released and is caused to move by the spring element 101into clamping relation with the fixed finger 88 to grip the label.

Mounted behind each fixed finger 88 moving clockwise from its positionon plate 81 is a container-centering structure 106 consisting ofradially-extending plates 107 which together with the periphery of thehub element 8 1 defines a channel formation opening to the peripherythereof. The outer edges of the channel structure are curvate and lie onthe circumference of a circle having its center coincident with the axisof rotation. Mounted centrally within the channel formation and spaceduniformly from the curvate outer edges 108 and inwardly of the plates107 is a resilient pad 109 of preferably sponge rubber, which defines acentral, upstanding, part-circumferentially extending surface againstwhich a gripped label is adapted to lie.

Immediately prior to the actuation of the movable fin ger 94to grip alabel, the surface of the pad 109 is contacted by a freely rotatableroller element 110 mounted to extend within a water-filled receptacle111 which in turn is connectedto a reservoir 111a, the roller element110 upon being contacted by the passing surface of pad 109 rotating todispense water from the receptacle to the surface of the pad. Thisarrangement may be preferred, although it must be appreciated that othermethods may be suitable for example, by supplying water in the form of aspray. As a label will normally possess inherent stiffness, it may bedesirable to render it moldable. Also by the application of Water to thepad 109, the softened label will receive adhesive more readily.

As mentioned above, since a label will possess inherent stiffness, aroller may be provided immediately above the point where a label 238 isgripped by grippers 80, causing the label to move into contact with thewetted surface of the aforementioned pad 109, which by reason of thesurface tension of the liquid, causes the label to cling. The labelso-positioncd, is then ready to receive adhesive from theglue-dispensing device 66.

Here it is pointed out that the operation of the labelgripping,-orienting and -applying apparatus is controllable through a gearmechanism 139 to advance or set back the position of the grippers 80' inorder to properly position the label upon a container 21.

Referring to FIGURES 16 and 17, it is seen that gearing mechanism 139consists of a gear 140 mounted upon and adapted to be positively drivenby shaft 87. The second driven gear formation or pinion 141 consists ofa larger pinion portion 141a meshing With drive gear 140 and a smallerpinion portion 141k axially aligned therewith, and mounted upon a commonshaft 142 for rotation. The shaft 142 is displaceable by means of anadjustable journal formation 143 supported from shaft 87 and displacedthrough a rack and pinion connection 144 by an adjustable control handle145 to locate the pinion 141 at adjusted circumferential positions onthe driving gear 140.

The smaller pinion portion 1 41b meshes with a third 10 gear 146 mountedfor rotation on shaft 87 and integnally connected to the sprocket wheel86 which through the endless chain 85 drives the label-gripping,-orienting and -applying apparatus 63.

It will be appreciated that by changing the position of displaceablegear formation 141, the position of the plate element 81 and hence thegrippers are either advanced or set back to correct the position ofapplication of a label to a container 21.

Adjustable tensioning sprockets 14 are provided to control the slacknessof the chain belt 85 when the gear formation 139 is adjusted.

The glue dispensing device 66 consists of a receptacle or reservoir 114for a suitable adhesive, and an overlying plate 115 slotted centrally asat 116, the central slot 1 16 receiving the lower portion of a driven ordoctor roll 117 mounted upon a horizontal shaft 118, which is adapted toextend into the reservoir (see FIGURES 5 and -6) Mounted upon a drivenshaft 119 to contact the peripheral surface of roll 117 is aglue-applying roll 120 which is adapted to be driven counterclockwise asindicated by the arrow in FIGURE 6, by means of a gear connection 121which in turn is driven through a sprocket wheel 122 and chain 123carried by shaft 32. The roll 120 is positioned so that it is intangential contact with the surface of a label 238a being drawn past theroll by the label-gripping, -orienting and -applying mechanism 63.

. The shaft 118 of the doctor roll 117 is driven in a clockwisedirection through suitable gear oonnections 124 between shaft 118 andshaft 119.

Mounted above the label-gripping, -orienting and -applying mechanism 63is a device 125 for lifting the label from the surface of the pad 109 tobring it into contact positively with the surface of the glue-applyingroll 120 and consists of two spaced members 126 rigidly connected attheir upper ends by a sleeve member 127, the sleeve member being mountedon a fixed pivot 127a extending horizontally from a support structure128 upstanding from the platform 68. The lower edges 129 of the parallelmembers 126 are configured first to contact the side portions of thebottom Wall 130 of channel formation 107 as it is drawn past and then toelevate the forward lower ends 131 of members 126 by virtue of acamrning action provided by the configuration of and contact with theaforementioned surfaces.

The forward lower ends 131 of each of the parallel members 126 areprovided with projections 132 extending inwardly of a size andconfiguration to engage beneath the surface of the label 238a beingdrawn therepast which, under the camming action aforementioned, lifts alabel from the surface of the pad 109 and causes it to move intopositive contact with the peripheral surface of roll 120 as seen inFIGURE 7.

Mounted on the outer wall of each of the channel formations 107 is adevice which is adapted to extract the end of a label from the grippingfingers 88, 94 just as the label is being applied to the container 21,the device consisting of an L-shaped member 133 pivoted at theintersection of the two arm portions of the L as at 133a, and beingprovided with a projection 134 at one end. The element 133 is providedwith a spring to urge it in a clockwise direction to locate the pin 134within slot 134a between the fixed fingers 8 8 and the channelformations 107 but during the lowermost travel of the label-selectingdevice "63 the arm portion 1330 is contacted by a fixed projection 1331)depending below and carried by frame 68, causing it to move and engagebehind the surface of a gripped labelas indicated in FIG- URE 6, to movethe gripped end from between the gripping fingers and secondly urgingthe label to separate from the surface of the pad 109 at the point wherethe label is brought into pressure contact With the cap of a container21. Member 133, under the action of the spring, then assumes its initialposition. Supported be low platform '67 are a pair of triangular plates301 having a part-circular edge portion 302. Edges 302 have a curvaturecorresponding to the curvature of the periphery of hub element 81 andare adapted to project into the recesses 303 on either side of the padelement 109, as best seen in FIGURES 6a and 6b.

It is seen in FIGURE 6b that a label 23811 has a Width dimensionexceeding the transverse dimension of the pad 109. The blades or plates301 are mounted below platform 67 on adjustable supports 304 in spacedparallel relation, the blades being located to contact the oppositeedges of label 238b to align the label with the pad immediately prior toits application to the cap of a container to insure uniformity in thelabelled containers.

Coupled with this alignment is the action of the plates or blades 107 toorient the bottle cap 175 whereby a label is centered on the cap, for itwill be appreciated that the necks of the containers 21 will frequentlybe out of line.

Operation It will be appreciated from the foregoing description thatupon delivery of containers 21 onto main conveyor 20, which containerssubsequently experience a turning movement imparted by thecontainer-orienting mechanism 15, the containers are delivered to theexit of the container-orienting mechanism, whereupon they are adapted tobe met by a descending gripped label located in the channel formation107 of the mechanism 63 with adhesive applied and ready to be placedupon the appropriate surface of the container.

The step of wetting the pad 109, selecting labels from the magazine, andthe step of applying adhesive to the surfaces of the labels occur insequence continuously.

The label-gripping, -orienting and -applying device 63 is controlled bythe gear formations 139 aforementioned; in other words, to advance orset back the point of application of a label to a container and soenable the operator to control the position. This is to be considered inconjunction with the orienting of the container 21 by the orientingmechanism 15 whereby a label can be applied in exactly the positiondesired.

It will be appreciated that the rate of travel of the container on themain conveyor is regulated in conjunction with the positions of thegripping fingers 88 and 94. As the container reaches the exit of theorienting mechanism, the label is drawn between blades 301 and thechannel formation constituted by members 107 lines up the cap 175 of apassing container 21, registers with the cap 175, and the pad 109 withthe label adhered thereto is pressed firmly down upon the cap, the labelexperiencing a release from the pad 109 by reason of the adhesionbetween the label and the surface of the cap, and also by reason of theaction of the L-shaped member 133. It will be appreciated that thesupport frame 13 can be raised or lowered on the posts 14 to establishthe required degree of pressure to be applied by the pressure pad 109against the container cap :175.

A label 238k is thus disposed upon the cap 175 of the container andextends substantially in a horizontal plane longitudinally as at 189 andin position to co-act with pres sure-applying apparatus 67a for applyingsqueezing and conforming pressure to the label.

At this stage of the labelling operation the container 21 has beenoriented into a position to receive the label and the label has beenapplied to extend in relation to the container in a specific direction,in this instance extending parallel to the direction of travel of thecontainer upon conveyor 20.

Pressure-A p ply i ng Apparatus The apparatus 67a for applying pressureto labels comprises an endless belt formation 135 carrying a pluralityof container-contacting and pressure-applying devices 136 mounted overmain conveyor 20 upon the support structure 13. The endless beltformation 135 consists of a pair of endless chain belts 137 and 138, asbest seen in 12 FIGURES 5 and 8, and are mounted in a vertical plane inspaced parallel relation on pairs of spaced sprocket wheels 147a and14-8.

Sprocket wheels 147a are mounted in spaced relation upon shaft 87 whichis driven through suitable connections by the main motor, shaft 87 alsodriving [gear mechanism 139.

Sprocket wheels 148 are mounted for rotation on a second horizontalshaft 149 suitably journalled on frame 68.

The upper and lower reaches 150 and 151, respectively, of chain belts137 and 138 are supported in horizontal guideways 152 and 153,respectively, defined by spaced bars 154 and 155, and 156 and 157,respectively, which are mounted on a framework 158 upstanding from frame68. Horizontal guideways 152 and 153 maintain the reaches of the chainbelts against displacement under the weight and action of thecontainer-contacting devices 136.

Each container-contacting device 136 consists of a plate or carriage158a which extends between and is anchored to corresponding links ofendless chain belts 137 and 138 by suitable pins at spaced points. Plate158a has central spaced apertures 159 and 160 therethrough aligned withthe direction of travel of the belts 137 and 138. Reoiprocably mountedwithin apertures 159 and 160 are elongated rods 161 and 162, connectedby a cross-bar 163 at their inner ends and supporting acontainer-contacting and pressure-applying formation 164 at their outerends. Rods 161 and 162 are biased by a spring element 165 locatedcentrally therebetween and extending into engagement with plate 158a andcross-bar 163 to urge cross-bar 163 to its innermost position and tobring the container-contacting formation up against the plate 158a.

The container-contacting and pressure-applying formation 164 consists ofa plate member 166 rigidly connected to the lower ends of the rods 161and 162, plate element 166 having flanges 167 at opposite sides of thechain belts 137 and 138, and supporting aligned roller elements 168.

Forwardly and rearwardly of the plate 166 are pivot support extensions169.

Mounted to extend below the plate 166 is a reciprocablecontainer-engaging socket formation 171 (see FIGURE 8a) which is groovedto form an inner seat 174 for a cap 175 of container 21, socketformation 171 being supported from the plate 166 on a spring loadedreciprocable shaft 176, the spring 177 yielding under contact with thecap 175 of the container and the socket formation being displacedinwardly toward the plate 166.

Depending from the plate 166 inwardly of the flanges 167 are a pair ofrigid guide members 178 located on opposite sides of the socketformation 171. At the lower end of the guide members 178 are inwardlyextending C-shaped members 179 whose ends extend transversely of thesocket 171 and define a guideway in which it slides.

Connected to socket formation 171 at opposite sides are pressure pads180, each of which consists of a rigid backing plate 181 having aresilient compressible pad element 182 attached thereto, pad element 182being suitably contoured as at 183 on its label-contacting face.

Pivotally connecting pressure pads to socket formation 171 is a toggleconnection consisting of an element 184 which in turn is pivotallyconnected to the pivot support extensions 169 by links 185.

Mounted above the upper guideways 152 upon the framework 158 are spacedhorizontal bars 186 whose upper surfaces 187 are adapted to supportrollers 168 on plate 166 during the upper horizontal travel of theendless belt formation 135. At each end of bars 186 guide plates 188 and189, respectively, are mounted, guide plates 188 having a generallycircular boundary 190 to guide the movement of the devices 136 aroundthe ends.

Member 189 is slotted as at 191 to control the descent of the device 136as it moves around the sprocket wheel 147a, and into thecontainer-engaging position.

Lowermost and supported upon adjustable threaded post formations 192 inspaced parallel relation to main conveyor is a second pair of spacedparallel guide bar formations 193 whose lower surfaces define cammingsurfaces against which the roller elements 168 bear, the inclinedportion 195 controlling the descent of the device 136, which is broughtinto contact with a container. The lowermost surface 196 controls theposition of the device 136 when it is fully engaged with a container,while at the opposite end the inclined surfaces 197 guide the device 136when it is released from the container 21.

Operation Through the operation of the main motor to drive shaft 87, theendless belt formation 135 and the container-contacting devices 136travel in their endless path, the contact of the Wheels 168 with surface195 of the guideway formation 193 causing the container-contactingdevice 136 to descend to bring the socket formation 171 intoregistration with cap 175 of container 21. By reason of the setting ofthe threaded posts 192 to locate the bars 193 at a selected height abovemain conveyor 20, pressure is applied to the socket formation 171 bycontact with the cap 175, causing it to be displaced inwardly againstthe action of the spring 177. As a result, the element 184 is displacedupwardly, which displacement swings the pressure pads 180 towards oneanother into parallelism to bring a label 238b into engagement with thesurfaces of the cap 175 and the neck 36 of the container. This sequenceof steps is readily discerned from FIGURE 8.

Since the label has been aflixed to the bottle in a specific direction,namely substantially parallel with the main conveyor 20, and since thepressure pads 180 and label are in alignment, the label is forcedagainst the opposed surfaces of the neck 36 of the container 21 and uponapplication of pressure the adhesive coated surface of the label gripsthe surface of the container and will not separate therefrom. Continuedcontact of the mechanism 136 with the label and container over thelength of the cam surface 196 insures that the label will adhere.

The container 21 is released by exactly the reverse action. As thecontainer 21 is moved by the conveyor, so the socket formation 171 ofmechanism 136 is released by virtue of the inclined guideway surface 197and its contact therewith by rollers 168 and the action of springelement 165, whereupon the pressure pads 180 are forced to moveoutwardly under the action of the spring 177 to urge socket formation171 downwardly. I The mechanism 136 is then moved around sprocket 148'until contact is made between the roller members 168 and the surfaces190 of the end guide members 188. By virtue of the configuration of theguide members 188, again the assembly 164 is displaced progressivelyoutwardly to its full extent to clear the intermediate support structureof the framework 158 (not shown) in its travel along the surfaces 187 ofthe upper bars 186. This arrangement also insures that the mechanisms136 are adequately supported, which guards against any damage occurring.

It is to be understood that the driving connections of the mechanisms ofthe invention to the main motor have not been described or illustratedand that it would be well known in this field how such connections couldbe made to achieve the results of the operating parts.

It is to be understood that adjustments or regulations of any or all themechanisms is to be undertaken through suitable devices well known toco-ordinate and synchronize the velocity of the main conveyor 20 and thevelocity of the chain belts 40 and 41 of the orienting mechanism 15, therotation of the label-gripping, -orienting and -applying device 63through the gear mechanism 139, and as well, the operation of thepressure-applying apparatus 67a. Such co-ordination is necessary toaccomplish all of the steps which have been described and illustrated.

It also will be readily appreciated that only the preferred embodimentsof the invention have been described and 14 illustrated, whereas personsskilled in the art may undertake to provide variations or modificationsof the structure without departing from the scope of the dependingclaims.

What we claim is:

1. In automatic labelling apparatus, an elongated base structure,endless conveyor means mounted upon said base structure to extendlongitudinally thereof, the upper reach of said endless conveyor meanspresenting a generally horizontal support surface extending in -astraight line path for transporting containers to be labelled to alabelling station and to a label-conforming station continuously and atspaced intervals, means for moving said conveyor at -a constantvelocity, a support formation mounted on said base structure to overliesaid conveyor means and vertically spaced therefrom, means carried bysaid support formation for depositing an adhesive-carrying label on acontainer being transported on said conveyor means, an endless beltformation mounted on said support formation beyond said label-depositingmeans with reference to the direction of travel of said conveyor means,means supporting said endless belt formation for movement in a verticalplane, the lower reach of said endless belt formation being arranged tooverlie said endless conveyor means and to extend in substantiallyparallel relation thereto, means for moving said endless belt formationat the same velocity as said endless conveyor means, support meanscarried by said endless belt formation for travel therewith in itsendless path, reciprocable means mounted on said support means to extendbeyond same in a direction away from said endless belt formation, saidreciprocable means having a socket formation at the end thereof furthestaway from said endless belt formation and having a configuration toregister With a selected surface of a container transported on saidendless conveyor means upon which a label has been deposited, pressurepad means mounted on said support means at opposite sides of saidreciprocable means and means operable upon displacement of saidreciprocable means in a direction to move said socket formation towardssaid support means under registration of said socket formation with suchselected surface of a container to move said pressure pad means intosubstantial parallelism on opposite sides of said reciprocable means anddepending below said socket formation, said pressure pad means having aspacing therebetween when in substantial parallelism to apply conformingpressure to a label to be applied against opposed selected surfaces of acontainer in conjunction with the application of conforming pressure bysaid socket formation to the first-mentioned selected surface of acontainer and means for controlling the position of a containertransported on said conveyor means to present the aforementionedselected surfaces thereof to be labelled to said label-depositing meansand to said socket formation and pressure pad means.

2. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 1 in which saidend-less belt formation comprises a pair of spaced aligned endless chainbelts one on either side of the center line of said endless conveyormeans, said support means being supported on corresponding portions ofsaid endless chain belts to extend therebetween.

3. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 2 in which said pairof endless chain belts are provided with a plurality of support means,reciprocable means and pressure pad means, each spaced from one anotherthroughout the extent of said endless chain belts in accordance with thespacing of containers transported on said endless conveyor means.

4. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 3 in which each ofsaid support means comprises a first support member secured to saidspaced chain belts on corresponding portions thereof and a second platemember carrying said reciprocable means and said pressure pad means,said second plate member being supported from said first plate memberfor displacement in a direction away from said endless chain belts,means normally urging said second plate member towards said first platemember, adjustable cam means mounted to depend from said supportformation presenting spaced parallel camming surfaces on opposite sidesof the center line of said endless conveyor means and depending belowthe lower reach of said chain belts, cam follower means carried by saidsecond plate member on opposite sides thereof and engageable with saidcamming surfaces while travelling along said aforementioned lower reachto displace said second plate member downwardly into overlying relationto a container transported upon said conveyor means to bring said socketformation of said reciprocable means into registration with a selectedsurface of a container, resulting in upward displacement of saidreciprocable means and the movement of said pressure pad means intosubstantial parallelism, and to maintain such registration over adetermined distance of travel of a container on said conveyor means.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4 in which said reciprocable means isconstituted by a rod member slidably supported for reciprocation in saidsecond plate member and spring means carried by said rod member normallyurging said rod member in a direction to move said socket formationtowards said second plate member.

6. Automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 5 in which each ofsaid pressure pad means comprises a rigid backing plate having aresilient surface portion for contacting the selected surface of acontainer, the rigid backing plate member being pivotally connected atone end to said reciprocable rod member and connected by a link memberintermediately of its extent to said second plate member whereby underreciprocation of said rod member said rigid backing plate is swung froma position extending outwardly on one side of said socket formation to aposition approaching parallelism with the other of said backing platesand extending below the said socket formation, and reversely.

7. In automatic labelling apparatus, a lower base structure, endlessconveyor means mounted on said lower base structure and being adapted totransport containers in a straight line horizontal path, means fordriving said endless conveyor means at a determined velocity, an uppersupport structure mounted to overlie said lower base structure andvertically spaced therefrom, a shaft supported for rotation on saidupper support structure about a horizontal axis arranged at right anglesto the direction of travel of said endless conveyor means, a hub elementmounted on said shaft to extend vertically and in alignment with thecenter line of said endless conveyor means, releasable label-grippingmeans carried by said hub element including a fixed gripping surfaceportion located at the periphery of said hub element, and a movablegripping finger formation mounted on said hub element to swing into andout of gripping relation with said fixed gripping surface portion,resilient means carried by said hub element normally urging saidgripping finger formation into gripping relation with said fixedgripping surface portion and means operable upon rotation of said hubelement to swing said gripping finger formation out of gripping relationduring a part of each cycle of said hub element, an endless beltformation carried by said upper support structure, said endless beltformation having a portion of its path of travel arranged in overlyingspaced parallel relation to said endless conveyor means with saidaforementioned portion located beyond said hub element with reference tothe direction of travel of containers on said endless conveyor means,support means mounted on said endless belt formation for traveltherewith, reciprocable means carried by said support means to extendbelow and into the path of travel of containers transported upon saidendless conveyor means, said reciprocable means being arranged invertical alignment with the center line of said endless conveyor meansand having a container-engaging formation at its lowermost end which isadapted to register with a selected portion of the surface of acontainer, pressure pad means pivotally mounted on said support means atopposite sides of said reciprocable means and arranged to register withselected surface portions of a container on opposite sides of saidfirst-mentioned selected surface portion, and means operable upondisplacement of said reciprocable means upwardly for swinging saidpressure pad means toward one another and into engagement with saidsecond-mentioned selected surface portions of a container, means forsimultaneously driving said hub element to provide a peripheral velocityof the order of the determined velocity of said endless conveyor meansand in a direction whereby at the point of application of a label to acontainer, the label and container are travelling in the same directionand at the same velocity and for driving said endless belt formation ata velocity of the order of the velocity of said endless conveyor means,and means for controlling the position of a container on said endlessconveyor means whereby said selected surface portions of a container arepresented to said hub element and releasable gripping means for theapplication of a label thereto and to said container-engaging formationand said pressure pad means for the conforming of a label thereon.

8. In automatic labelling apparatus, a lower base structure, endlessconveyor means mounted on said lower base structure for transportingcontainers in a straight line horizontal path, means for driving saidendless conveyor means at a determined velocity, an upper supportstructure mounted to overlie said lower base structure and adjustablevertically to alter the distance between same and said endless conveyormeans, rotary means mounted on said support structure for sequentiallygripping a label presented thereto and depositing such gripped labelonto a container transported by said endless conveyor means comprising,a shaft supported for rotation about a horizontal axis and at rightangles to the direction of travel of said endless conveyor means, a hubelement mounted on said shaft and arranged to extend vertically and insubstantial alignment with the center line of said endless conveyormeans, a plurality of releasable label gripping means carried by said'hub element and spaced uniformly circumferentially therearound, eachincluding a fixed gripping surface portion located at the periphery ofsaid hub element and a movable gripping finger formation mounted uponsaid hub element to swing into and out of gripping relation with saidfixed surface portion, resilient means connected between said hubelement and each of said gripping finger formations normally urging saidgripping finger formation into gripping relation with said fixedgripping surface portion, and co-operating cam means including astationary cam mounted on said support structure and at one side of saidhub element and cam follower means carried by each of said grippingfinger formations operable under rotation of said hub element to swingsaid gripping finger formations out of gripping relation and maintainsame out of gripping relation during a part of each cycle of said hubelement, means for conforming labels to lie against selected adjacentand discontinuous surfaces of a container transported upon said endlessconveyor means, mounted upon said upper support structure and beyondsaid hub element with reference to the direction of travel of acontainer transported upon said endless conveyor means, said means forconforming labels comprising an endless belt formation, means carried bysaid upper support structure supporting said endless belt formation formovement in a vertical plane, the lower reach of said endless beltformation being arranged to overlie said endless conveyor means, and toextend in substantially parallel relation thereto, a plurality of spacedsupport means carried by said endless belt formation for traveltherewith in its endless path, reciprocable means mounted on each ofsaid support means to extend beyond same in a direction away from saidendless belt formation, each of said reciprocable means being arrangedin substantial vertical alignment with the center line of said conveyormeans and having a socket formation at the end thereof furthest awayfrom said endless belt formation for registration with a selectedsurface portion of a container transported on said endless conveyormeans, pressure pad means mounted on each of said support means atopposite sides of said reciprocable means and means operable upondisplacement of said reciprocable means in a direction to move saidsocket formation towards said support means for moving said pressure padmeans towards one another and to register with surface portions of acontainer on opposite sides of said first-mentioned selected surfaceportion, means for simultaneously driving said hub element to provide aperipheral velocity of the order of the determined velocity of saidendless conveyor means and in a direction whereby at the point ofapplication of a label to a container, the label and container aretraveling in the same direction and at the same velocity and for drivingsaid endless belt formation at a velocity of the order of the velocityof said endless conveyor means, and means for controlling the positionof a container on said endless conveyor means whereby said selectedsurface portions of a container are presented to said hub element andreleasable gripping means for the application of a label thereto and tosaid container-engaging formation and said pressure pad means for theconforming of a label thereon.

9. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, an elongated base structure,endless conveyor means mounted upon said base structure to extendlongitudinally thereof, for transporting upright containers to belabelled in a straight line horizontal path, means for driving saidendless conveyor means at a determined velocity, means located in nextadjacent relation to said conveyor means to contact the lower portion ofeach passing container to impart rotational movement thereto to turneach container about its vertical axis to a determined position for thesubsequent application of a label thereto, a support structure mountedon said base structure to overlie said endless conveyor means andvertically spaced therefrom, means carried by said support formation fordepositing an adhesive-carrying label onto a cont-ainer beingtransported on said conveyor means, said label-depositing means beinglocated at a point along said conveyor means, at which a container hasbeen turned to said aforementioned determined position, an endless beltformation mounted on said support formation beyond said label-depositingmeans with the reference to the direction of travel of containerstransported upon said conveyor means, means supporting said endless beltformation for travel in a vertical plane, the lower reach of saidendless belt formation being arranged to overlie said endless conveyormeans and to extend in substantially parallel relation thereto, meansfor moving said endless belt formation at the same velocity as saidendless conveyor means, and means carried by said endless belt formationfor applying conforming pressure to a label against selected surfaces ofan upright container being transported upon said endless conveyor means,and means for controlling the position of a container transported onsaid conveyor means to present the aforementioned selected surfacesthereof to be labelled, to said label-depositing means and to saidlabel-conforming means.

10. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, a lower base structure,endless conveyor means mounted on said lower base structure and beingadapted to transport upright containers in a straight line horizontalpath, means for driving said endless conveyor means at a determinedvelocity, means for fixing the position of each container againstdisplacement along the conveyor means but leaving the container free forrotational movement thereon, means for turning an upright container to adetermined position comprising abutment surface means arranged at oneside of the center line of said conveyor means and extending parallelthereto and arranged to slidably cont-act the lower portion of eachcontainer conveyed upon said conveyor means, means arranged to travel onthe side of the center line of said conveyor means opposite to saidabutment surface means for continuously urging the lower portion of eachcontainer into abutment with said abutment surface means to impartrotational movement thereto, means limiting the rotational move ment ofeach container imparted by said latter means, means for driving saidmeans for urging the containers into abutment with said abutment surfacemeans and means for driving said means iimiting the rotational movementof each container, both in the same direction of and at velocities equalto the determined velocity of, said endless conveyor means, an uppersupport structure mounted to overlie said lower base structure andvertically spaced therefrom, means for depositing a label on containerstransported upon said endless conveyor means comprising a shaftsupported for rotation on said upper support structure about ahorizontal axis arranged at right angles to the direction of travel ofsaid endless conveyor means, a hub element mounted on said shaft toextend vertically and in alignment with the center line of said endlessconveyor means, said shaft and hub element being arranged on saidsupport structure at a point along the endless conveyor means at which acontainer has turned to said determined position, releasablelabelgripping means carried by said hub element including a fixedgripping surface portion located at the periphery of said hub elementand a movable gripping finger formation mounted on said hub element toswing into and out of gripping relation with said fixed gripping surfaceportion, resilient means carried by said hub element normally urgingsaid gripping finger formation into gripping relation with said fixedgripping surface portion, and means operable upon rotation of said hubelement to swing said gripping finger formation out of gripping relationduring a part of each cycle of said hub element whereby a label isgripped and subsequently deposited upon a container transported on saidendless conveyor means, an endless belt formation carried by said uppersupport structure, said endless belt formation having a portion of itspath of travel arranged in overlying, spaced parallel relation to saidendless conveyor means with said aforementioned portion located beyondsaid hub element with reference to the direction of travel of containerson said endless conveyor means, support means mounted on said endlessbelt formation for travel therewith, reciprocable means carried by saidsupport means to extend below and into the path of travel of containerstransported upon said endless conveyor means, said reciprocable meansbeing arranged in vertical alignment with the center line of saidendless conveyor means and having a container-engaging formation at itslowermost end which is adapted to register with a. selected portion ofthe surface of a container to be labelled, pressure pad means pivotallymounted on said support means at opposite sides of said reciprocablemeans and arranged to register with selected surface portions of acontainer to be labelled on opposite sides of said first-mentionedselected surface portion, and means operable upon displacement of saidreciprocable means upwardly for swinging said pressure pad means towardone another and into engagement with said second-mentioned selectedsurface portions of a container, means for, simultaneously, driving saidhub element to provide a peripheral velocity of the order of thedetermined velocity of said endless conveyor means and in a directionwhereby at the point of application of a label to a container, the labeland container are travelling in the same direction and at the samevelocity and for driving said endless belt formation at a velocity ofthe order of the velocity of said endless conveyor means, and means forcontrolling the position of said hub element and said releasablegripping means with reference to the position of a container on saidendless conveyor means, whereby said selected surface portions of acontainer are presented to said hub element and releasable grippingmeans for the application of a label thereto and to saidcontainerengaging formation and said pressure pad means for theconforming of a label thereon.

11. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, a lower base structure,endless conveyor means mounted on said lower base structure and beingadapted to transport upright containers in a straight line horizontalpath, means for driving s aid endless conveyor means at a determinedvelocity, means for fixed the position of each container againstdisplacement along the conveyor means but leaving the container free forrotational movement thereon, abutment surface means arranged at one sideof the center line of said conveyor means and extending parallel theretoand arranged to slidably contact the lower portion of each container asit is conveyed upon said conveyor means, means arranged to travel on theside of the center line of said conveyor means opposite to saidabut-ment surface for continuously urging the lower portion of eachcontainer into abutment with said abutment surface means to impartrotational movement thereto, means limiting the rotational movement ofeach container imparted by said latter means, and means for driving bothsaid means for urging the containers into abutment with said abutmentsurface means and said means limiting the rotational movement of eachcontainer in the direction of and at a velocity equal to the determinedvelocity of said endless conveyor means, an upper support structuremounted to overlie said lower base structure and adjustable verticallyto alter the distance between same and said endless conveyor means,rotary means mounted on said support structure for sequentially grippinga label presented thereto and depositing such gripped label onto acontainer transported by said endless conveyor means comprising, a shaftsupported for rotation about a horizontal axis and at right angles tothe direction of travel of said endless conveyor means, a hub elementmounted on said shaft and arranged to extend vertically and in alignmentwith the center line of said endless conveyor means, said shaft and hubelement being arranged on said support structure at a point along theendless conveyor means at which a container has had imparted to itrotational movement and such rotational movement has been limited, aplurality of releasable label-gripping means carried by said hub elementand spaced uniformly circumferentially therearound, each including afixed gripping surface portion located at the periphery of said hubelement and .a movable gripping finger formation mounted upon said hubelement to swing into and out of gripping relation with said fixedsurface portion, resilient means connected between said hub element andeach of said gripping finger formations normally urging said grippingfinger formation into gripping relation with said fixed gripping surfaceportion, and cooperating cam means including a stationary cam mounted onsaid support structure and at one side of said hub element and camfollower means carried by each of said gripping finger formationsoperable under rotation of said hub element to swing said grippingfinger formations out of gripping relation and maintain same out ofgripping relation during a part of each cycle of said hub element, meansfor conforming labels to lie against selected adjacent and discontinuoussurfaces of a container transported upon said endless conveyor means,mounted upon said upper support structure and beyond said hub elementwith reference to the direction of travel of a container transportedupon said endless conveyor means, said means for conforming labelscomprising an endless belt formation, means carried by said uppersupport structure supporting said endless belt formation for movement ina vertical plane, the lower reach of said endless belt formation beingarranged to overlie said endless conveyor means, and to extend insubstantially parallel relation thereto, a plurality of spaced supportmeans carried by said endless belt formation for travel therewith in itsendless path, reciprocable means mounted on each of said support meansto extend beyond same in a direction away from said endless beltformation, each of said reciprocable means being arranged in verticalalignment with the center line of said conveyor means and having asocket formation at the end thereof furthest away from said endless beltformation for registration with a selected surface portion of acontainer transported on said endless conveyor means, pressure pad meansmounted on each of said support means at opposite sides of saidreciprocable means and means operable upon displacement of saidreciprocable means in a direction to move said socket formation towardssaid support means for moving said pressure pad means towards oneanother and to register with surface portions of a container on oppositesides of said first-mentioned selected surface portion, means fordriving said hub element to provide a peripheral velocity of the orderof the determined velocity of said endless conveyor means and in adirection whereby at the point of application of a label to a container,the label and container are travelling in the same direction and at thesame velocity and means for driving said endless belt formation at avelocity of the order of the velocity of said endless conveyor means,and means for controlling the position of said hub element and saidreleasable gripping means with reference to the position of a containeron said endless conveyor means, whereby said selected surface portionsof a container are presented to said hub element and releasable grippingmeans for the application of a label thereto and to saidcontainerengaging formation and said pressure pad means for theconforming of a label thereon.

12. Automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, the lower portion beingsurmounted by a central upstanding neck portion provided with a closuremember at the upper end, a base, a table structure mounted on said base,means mounted on said table structure for conveying upright containerscontinuously and at spaced intervals in a straight line horizontal path,means mounted on said table structure and located in next adjacentrelation to said conveying means to contact the lower portion of eachpassing container to impart rotational movement thereto to turn eachcontainer about its upright axis and means for limiting impartedrotational movement to each upright passing container to position sameprior to the application of a label thereto, a support structureoverlying said table structure, a label magazine mounted on saidoverlying support structure, means for withdrawing a label from saidmagazine, rotary means mounted on said overlying support structure andarranged to overlie a container transported on said conveying means,said rotary means having releasable gripping means for seizing a labelfrom said withdrawing means and delivering same to a containertransported on said conveying means, adhesive-dispensing means mountedon said overlying support structure adjacent to the path described bysaid label-gripping means upon rotation being imparted to said rotarymeans, said adhesive-dispensing means being spaced peripherally betweenthe point of gripping and the point of delivery and release of the labelby said label-gripping means, said adhesive-dispensing means beingadapted to dispense adhesive onto a selected surface of a passing labeland means carried by said rotary means controlling the position of agripped label to present such selected surface to saidadhesive-dispensing means and to the closure member of a container to belabelled, an endless belt formation mounted 21 in said overlying supportstructure and beyond said rotary means, said endless belt formationbeing supported for translation in a vertical plane and having a lowerpath of travel overlying and extending parallel to said conveying means,a carriage mounted upon said belt formation, reciprocable plunger meansmounted on said carriage, said plunger means being supported to extendbeyond said carriage in a direction away from said endless beltformation and into the path of travel of a container, said plunger meanspresenting a socket formation at the end thereof furthest away from saidendless belt formation which is adapted to register with a closuremember of a container, resilient yieldable means urging said plungermeans in a direction away from said endless belt formation, and apressure pad means pivotally mounted on said carriage at opposite sidesof said plunger means and means operable upon displacement of saidplunger means in a direction toward the endless belt formation underregistration of said socket formation with a closure member of acontainer to swing said pressure pad means into substantial parallelismon opposite sides of said plunger means and therebelow, said pressurepad means each having resilient yieldable surface portions facinginwardly in opposition,

and having a spacing therebetween when in substantial parallelism, toapply conforming and squeezing pressure to the opposite ends of a labelagainst the opposite surfaces of a neck portion of a container inconjunction with the application of conforming and squeezing pressure bysaid socket portion to the central portion of a label against theclosure member of a container, means for driving said rotary means toprovide a peripheral velocity of the order of the determined velocity ofsaid endless conveyor means and in a direction whereby at the point ofapplication of a label to a container, the label and container aretravelling in the same direction and at the same velocity, and means fordriving said endless belt formation at a velocity of the order of thevelocity of said endless conveyor means, and means for controlling theposition of said rotary means with reference to the position of acontainer on said endless conveyor means whereby a label is centeredupon the cap of a container and the ends of said label extend uniformlydown the neck portion of a container on opposite sides.

13. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, means for conveyingcontainers in upright disposition continuously and in sequence to alabelling station and means located in next adjacent relation to saidconveying means and in advance of said labelling station to contact thelower portion of each passing container to impart rotational movementthereto to turn each container about its vertical axis to a determinedposition for the subsequent application of a label thereto.

14. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion ofgenerally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, means for conveyingcontainers in upright disposition continuously and sequentially to alabelling station, means located in next adjacent relation to saidconveying means and in advance of said labelling station to contact thelower portion to impart rotational movement to turn each upright passingcontainer about its vertical axis while it is being conveyed and meansfor limiting imparted rotational movement to each upright passingcontainer to position same for the application of a label thereto.

15. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, means for conveying uprightcontainers continuously and at spaced intervals to a labelling station,means mounted upon said conveyor means maintaining the container againstrelative movement in a direction opposite to the direction of travel ofsaid conveying means, and means located in next adjacent relation tosaid conveying means in advance of said labelling station and arrangedto contact the lower portion of each passing upright container to impartrotational movement thereto about its vertical axis to turn same to adetermined position for the application of a label thereto.

16. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, means for conveying uprightcontainers continuously and at spaced intervals to a labelling station,means mounted upon said conveying means maintaining the containeragainst relative displacement in a direction opposite to the directionof travel of said conveying means, means located in next adjacentrelation to said conveying means in advance of said labelling stationand arranged to contact the lower portion of each passing uprightcontainer to impart rotational movement to turn said container about itsvertical axis and means limiting imparted rotational movement toposition each container for the application of a label thereto.

17. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal cross-section, means for conveying uprightcontainers continuously in a straight line horizontal path and at spacedintervals to a labelling station, means mounted upon said convey ingmeans maintaining each container against relative displacement in adirection opposite to the direction of travel of said conveying means,means located in next adjacent relation to said conveying means inadvance of said labelling station and arranged to contact the lower portion of each passing upright container to impart rotational movementthereto about its vertical axis and means limiting imparted rotationalmovement to each container to position same for the application of alabel thereto.

18. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling oontainers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, conveyor means for conveyingcontainers in upright disposition, means for fixing the position of eachcontainer against displacement along the conveyor means but leaving thecontainer {free for rotational movement thereon, abutment surface meansarranged at one side of the center line of said conveyor means andextending parallel thereto and arranged to slidably contact the lowerportion of each container as it is conveyed upon said conveyor means,and means arranged at the side of the center line of said conveyor meansopposite to said abutment surface means for urging the lower portion ofeach container into abutment with said abutment surface means to impartrotational movement thereto.

19. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, conveyor means for conveyingcontainers in upright disposition, means for fixing the position of eachcontainer against displacement along the conveyor means but leaving thecontainer free for rotational movement thereon, abutment surface meansarranged at one side of the center line of said conveyor means andextending parallel thereto and arranged to slidably contact the lowerportion of each container as it is conveyed upon said conveyor means,means arranged at the side of the center line of said conveyor meansopposite to said abutment surface means for urging the lower portion ofeach container into abutment with said abutment surface means to impartrotational movement thereto, and means limit ing the rotationalrnovement of each container imparted by said latter means.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said means for fixing theposition of a container upon said conveyor means comprises a memberupstanding centrally of the container-supporting surface of the conveyormeans, said member having a wheel member rotatable about an uprightaxis, said wheel extending forwardly of said up- 23 standing member toprovide point contact with a container upon said conveyor means.

21. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said abutment surface meanscomprises a rigid bar formation extending parallel to and throughout aportion of the extent of said conveyor means at one side of the centerline thereof, and located above the container-supporting surface of saidconveyor means, said bar having a frictioned surface of contactthroughout a portion of its extent against which the lower portion of acontainer is adapted to abut in sliding contact therewith.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in Which said frictioned surface ofcontact is constituted by a piece of tanned leather.

23. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said abutment surface meanscomprises an endless belt formation mounted to present an extendedsurface of contact substantially parallel to said conveyor means andabove the container-supporting surface thereof, said surface of contactbeing frictioned to positively engage the surface of the lower portionof a passing container to impart turning movement thereto, and means fordriving said endless belt to move said surface of contact parallel tosaid conveyor means in :a direction opposite to the direction of travelof said conveyor means.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23 in which said endless belt formationcomprises an endless rubber band mounted upon spaced sprocket wheels andlug means carried by the surface of said belt engaging said sprocketwheels for positive drive of said rubber band by said sprocket wheels.

25. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said means for urging thelower portion of said container into abutment with said abutment surfacemeans comprises an endless belt having a portion of its path of travelarranged in substantial parallel relation to said conveyor means and onthe side of the center line of said conveyor means opposite to saidabutment surface means, said endless belt carrying at least one wheelelement freely rotatable about an upright axis and extending into thepath of a passing container on said conveyor means, and means fordriving said endless belt to move said wheel element in its path oftravel parallel to said conveyor means in the same direction and at thesame velocity as said conveyor means, the position of said wheel elementbeing synchronized with said conveyor means to positively engage acontainer conveyed thereon to urge same against said abutment surfacemeans.

26. Apparatus according to claim 25 in which said Wheel elementcomprises a central rigid hub formation having a resilient annular rimelement, the rim element having a surface characteristic forfrictionally engaging the surface of a container to urge same againstsaid abutment surface means.

27. Apparatus according to claim 26 in which said endless belt isprovided with a plurality of wheel elements, spaced upon the belt inaccordance with the selected spacing of containers deposited on saidconveyor means.

28. Apparatus according to claim 19 in which said means limitingrotational movement imparted to a container comprises an endless beltassembly mounted on the same side :of the center line of the conveyormeans as said abutment surface means, the belt carrying projection meansbeing adapted to project into the path of and engage a passingcontainer, to which rotational movement has been imparted to constrainsame against further rotational movement, that portion of said endlessbelt carrying said projection means and which is arranged to projectinto the path of and engage 'a passing container being arranged totravel in the same direction and at the same velocity as said conveyormeans, and being synchronized with said conveyor means.

29. In automatic labelling apparatus for labelling containers having anupright disposition and a lower portion of generally circularconfiguration in horizontal crosssection, horizontal conveyor means fortransporting upright containers in a straight line path to a labellingstation, upstanding stop means mounted upon said conveyor means atspaced intervals to locate each container deposited thereon againstbackward sliding movement, abutment surface means extending parallel toand throughout a portion of the extent of and on one side of the centerline of said conveyor means in advance of the labelling station, andlocated above the container-supporting surface of said conveyor means,said abutment surface means having a frictioned surface against whichthe surface of the lower portion of a passing container is adapted toabut in sliding contact therewith, an endless belt having at least aportion of its path of travel arranged in parallel relation to saidconveyor means and on the side of the center line of said conveyor meansopposite to said abutment surface means, said belt carrying freelyrotatable wheel elements mounted for rotation about a substantiallyvertical axis, said wheel elements being arranged to extend above thecontainer-supporting surface of said conveyor means and having a surfaceof engagement extending into the path of travel of a passing containerto positively contact same to urge same into abutment with said abutmentsurface means, said belt in its path parallel to said conveyor means andalong which contact is made between said wheel elements and containersbeing driven to travel in the same direction as the direction of travelof said conveyor means, a second endless belt assembly mounted on thesame side of the center line of said conveyor means as said abutmentsurface means and thereabove, said second endless belt carrying aplurality of projection means adapted to project into the path of andengage passing containers, to which rotational movement has beenimparted to constrain same against further rotational movement, thatportion of said endless belt carrying said projection means which isarranged to project into the path of and engage passing containers beingdriven to travel in the same direction and at the same speed as saidconveyor means, means for driving said conveyor means, means for drivingsaid first endless belt, and means for driving said second endless belt,and means for synchronizing said conveyor means and said first andsecond endless belts, whereby passing containers have imparted theretorotational movement to turn same about their vertical axes to bring saidsecond projection means into registration with said projection means toselectively position same for the application of a label thereto.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29 in which said abutment surface meanscomprises a rigid bar formation extending parallel to and throughout aportion of the extent of said conveyor means at one side of the centerline thereof, and located above the container-supporting surface of saidconveyor means, said bar having a frictioned surface of contactthroughout a portion of its extent against which the lower portion of acontainer is adapted to abut in sliding contact therewith.

31. Apparatus according to claim 29 in which said abutment surface meanscomprises \an endless belt formation mounted to present an extendedsurface of contact substantially parallel to said conveyor means andabove the container-supporting surface thereof, said surface of contactbeing frictioned to positively engage the surface of the lower portionof a passing container to impart turning movement thereto, and means fordriving said endless belt to move said surface of contact parallel tosaid conveyor means in a direction opposite to the direction of travelof said conveyor means.

32. In automatic labelling apparatus wherein containers to be labelledare adapted to be delivered to a labelling station continuously and insequence, rotary means for sequentially gripping a label presented tosaid rotary means and depositing such gripped label on a containerduring each cycle thereof, comprising a hub element having a centralaxis of rotation, means supporting said hub element for rotation,releasable label-gripping means car-

1. IN AUTOMATIC LABELLING APPARATUS, AN ELONGATED BASE STRUCTURE,ENDLESS CONVEYOR MEANS MOUNTED UPON SAID BASE STRUCTURE TO EXTENDLINGITUDINALLY THEREOF, THE UPPER REACH OF SAID ENDLESS CONVEYOR MEANSPRESENTING A GENERALLY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT SURFACE EXTENDING IN ASTRAIGHT LINE PATH FOR TRANSPORTING CONTAINERS TO BE LABELLED TO ALABELLING STATION AND TO A LABEL-CONFORMING STATION CONTINUOUSLY AND ATSPACED INTERVALS, MEANS FOR REMOVING SAID CONVEYOR AT A CONSTANTVELOCITY, A SUPPORT FORMATION MOUNTED ON SAID BASE STRUCTURE TO OVERLIESAID CONVEYOR MEANS AND VERTICALLY SPACED THEREFROM, MEANS CARRIED BYSAID SUPPORT FORMATION FOR DEPOSTING AN ADHESIVE-CARRYING LABEL ON ACONTAINER BEING TRANSPORTED ON SAID CONVEYER MEANS, AN ENDLESS BELTFORMATION MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT FORMATION BEYOND SAID LABEL-DEPOSITINGMEANS WITH REFERENCE TO THE DIRECTION OF TRAVEL OF SAID CONVEYOR MEANS,MEANS SUPPORTING SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATION FOR MOVEMENT IN A VERTICALPLANE, THE LOWER REACH OF SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATION BEING ARRANGED TOOVERLIE SAID ENDLESS CONVEYOR MEANS AND TO EXTEND IN SUBSTANTIALLYPARALLEL REACTION THERETO, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATIONAT THE SAME VELOCITY AS SAID ENDLESS CONVEYOR MEANS, SUPPORT MEANSCARRIED BY SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATION FOR TRAVEL THEREWITH IN ITSENDLESS PATH, RECIPROCABLE MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS TO EXTENDBEYOND SAME IN A DIRECTION AWAY FROM SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATION, SAIDRECIPROCABLE MEANS HAVING A SOCKET FORMATION AT THE END THEREOF FURTHESTAWAY FROM SAID ENDLESS BELT FORMATION AND HAVING A CONFIGURATION TOREGISTER WITH A SELECTED SURFACE OF A CONTAINER TRANSPORTED ON SAIDENDLESS CONVEYOR MEANS UPON WHICH A LABEL HAS BEEN DEPOSITED, PRESSUREPAD MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAIDRECIPROCABLE MEANS AND MEANS OPERABLE UPON DISPLACEMENT OF SAIDRECIPROCABLE MEANS IN A DIRECTION TO MOVE SAID SOCKET FORMATION TOWARDSSAID SUPPORT MEANS UNDER REGISTRATION OF SAID SOCKET FORMATION WITH SUCHSELECTED SURFACE OF A CONTAINER TO MOVE SAID PRESSURE PAD MEANS INTOSUBSTANTIAL PARALLELISM ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID RECIPROCABLE MEANS ANDDEPENDING BELOW A SPACING FORMATION, SAID PRESSURE PAD MEANS HAVING ASPACING THEREBETWEEN WHEN IN SUBSTANTIAL PARALLELISM TO APPLY CONFORMINGPRESSURE TO A LABEL TO BE APOLIED AGAINST OPPOSED SELECTED SURFACES OF ACONTAINER IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE APPLICATION OF CONFORMING PRESSURE BYSAID SOCKET FORMATION TO THE FIRST-MENTIONED SELECTED SURFACE OF ACONTAINER AND MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE POSITION OF A CONTAINERTRANSPORTED ON SAID CONVEYOR MEANS TO PRESENT THE AFOREMENTIONEDSELECTED SURFACES THEREOF TO BE LABELLED TO SAID LABEL-DEPOSITING MEANSAND TO SAID SOCKET FORMATION AND PRESSURE PAD MEANS.